Geddis, Re inquest into the death of [2019] NICoroner 8 (7 June 2019)

Geddis, Re inquest into the death of [2019] NICoroner 8 (7 June 2019)

The deceased died as a result of the combined toxic effects of heroin, methadone, pregabalin, diazepam, and alprazolam. There was insufficient evidence to conclude that the deceased intended to take his own life; rather, the death was accidental due to low tolerance and failure to appreciate the danger of the drug combination.

Citation
[2019] NICoroner 8
Parties
Deceased: Peter Francis Geddis; Next of Kin: Laura Geddis; Coroner: Coroner Mr Patrick McGurgan
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Judgment Date
07 June 2019
Procedural Posture
Inquest / Findings of Fact and Conclusion
Outcome
Death by misadventure (accidental drug toxicity)
Legal Topics
Inquest Into Death, Drug Toxicity, Cause of Death, Substance Abuse
Coronial Law Public Health Inquest Into Death Drug Toxicity Cause of Death Substance Abuse

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Parties

Peter Francis Geddis

Deceased

Laura Geddis

Next of Kin

Coroner Mr Patrick McGurgan

Coroner

Procedural Posture

Inquest / Findings of Fact and Conclusion

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What was the cause of death of Peter Francis Geddis?
  2. 2 Was the death intentional (suicide) or accidental?

Ratio Decidendi

The deceased died as a result of the combined toxic effects of heroin, methadone, pregabalin, diazepam, and alprazolam. There was insufficient evidence to conclude that the deceased intended to take his own life; rather, the death was accidental due to low tolerance and failure to appreciate the danger of the drug combination.

Court Disposition

Death by misadventure (accidental drug toxicity)